The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) is set to welcome a significant upgrade aimed at improving passenger experience and handling rising demand. By June 2025, the North Avenue Station will feature a new “pocket rack extension,” which is expected to boost the MRT 3 system’s passenger capacity by 33%.
Project Purpose and Impact
MRT 3 General Manager Oscar Bongon shared that the new “North Avenue turnback facility” will play a crucial role in accommodating the increased ridership. The facility will support a shift from the current three-car trains to four-car trains, allowing each trip to carry more passengers. This expansion aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation for Filipinos, ensuring that the MRT system can better serve the growing population.
A 33% Boost in Capacity
With the completion of the extension, MRT 3 will see a substantial increase in capacity, translating to an extra 33 percent of available seating and standing space on each trip. This upgrade comes at a time when the MRT is already experiencing a steady rise in ridership. In 2024, the system served 135.8 million passengers, marking a 5.3 percent increase compared to 2023. Bongon attributes this growth to ongoing maintenance and improvements made possible by the MRT’s major rehabilitation in 2021.
Agencies Involved and Long-Term Goals
The MRT 3 project is a part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance the country’s transportation infrastructure. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and various stakeholders have been working diligently to ensure the system can meet growing commuter demands. As the facility nears completion, Bongon emphasized the long-term benefits, including reduced congestion and more efficient commutes for passengers.
A Transformative Step for MRT 3
The North Avenue Station extension is a major step forward in the continued development of the MRT 3 system. With a projected 33 percent capacity increase, it will help the MRT 3 keep pace with rising demand and ensure the comfort and convenience of its passengers. As the project progresses, the long-term benefits will be felt not only by commuters but also by the city’s overall transportation infrastructure, paving the way for further enhancements in public transit.
Video: MRT-3 Capacity Boost with Extended North Avenue Pocket Track
In an interview, DOTr MRT-3 General Manager Engr. Oscar Bongon shared exciting news regarding the MRT-3 expansion.
The pocket track extension at North Avenue is on track for completion by June.
This project will allow the trains to increase from three to four cars per trip.
As a result, MRT-3 capacity will rise by 33%.
With these improvements, passengers can expect a more efficient commuting experience.